Products made by Ohio inmates see increasing profits; $7.8 million in fiscal 2013

4/6/2014

ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — From toilet paper and license plates to processed meat and furniture, products made by Ohio inmates are becoming increasingly profitable as the state’s prisons act more like private businesses.

A report released this week shows that in fiscal 2013, Ohio Penal Industries made $7.8 million, the fourth straight year of increased profits.

The Chillicothe Gazettein southern Ohio reports that the profits represent a turnaround from a $4.6 million deficit in fiscal 2009.

That’s when prison industry programs were criticized for poor quality at higher prices that private industries.